| Title | Evaluation Of The Advanced Operating System Of The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority: Driver And Dispatcher Perceptions Of AATA'S Advanced Operating System |
|---|---|
| Record ID | 9749 |
| Personal Name Creator |
Levine, Jonathan |
| Source | EDL #13150 |
| Corporate Creator | University of Michigan. Urban and Regional Research Collaborative |
| Corporate Contributor |
Ann Arbor Transportation Authority |
| Publisher | University of Michigan. Urban and Regional Research Collaborative |
| Publication Date | 19991000 |
| Language | English |
| Abstract | In 1997, the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Transportation Authority began deploying advanced public transportation systems (APTS) technologies in its fixed route and paratransit operations. The project's concept is the integration of a range of such technologies into a comprehensive system, termed the "Advanced Operating System" (AOS) to "smart buses", "smart travelers," and a "smart operation center" to benefit from timely and coordinated information on critical aspects of transit operation and maintenance. This report details results of focus groups and written surveys conducted with AATA (Ann Arbor Transportation Authority) motor coach operators. The drivers' early verdict on AOS (Advanced operating system) is favorable overall; limitations in communication are generally unwelcome, but other services such as automated announcement and sign changing are enthusiastically accepted. Newer drivers were consistently more favorably inclined towards AOS than their more veteran colleagues. But regardless of an individuals enthusiasm or skepticism there seems to be a general acceptance that technologies like AOS are unavoidable in the transit industry. In general automation can be seen in two divergent ways, sometimes by the same individual. Automation can relieve the tedium of unwanted tasks (such as calling out stop names), and in this way free up the individual to concentrate on doing his or her job better. In contrast, automation can be seen as regimenting and eliminating drivers opportunities for delivering service in a creative fashion. The desire to be creative on the job whether through personal interaction with customers innovative and ad hoc transfers, or monitoring conditions that affect ones ability to drive the bus was pervasive among drivers of all levels of experience. The drivers verdict on AOS ultimately depends on their perception of its effect on their on-the-job control and creativity. Tables, appendices, 20 p. |
| Rosap ID | dot:14204 |
| Rosap URL | https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/14204 |
| TRT Terms | Advanced public transportation systems; Bus transit operations; Bus drivers; Perception; Attitudes; Job satisfaction; Focus groups; Surveys |
| General Subjects | Advance operating systems (AOS); Ann Arbor (Michigan) Transportation Authority |
| Classification | NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Advanced Public Transit Systems; NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Bus Transportation; NTL - INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS - INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS; NTL - PLANNING AND POLICY - Surveys; NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors |
| Geographical Coverage |
Michigan |
| TRIS Online Accession No |
00801422 |
| Resource type | Research Paper |
| URL | https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/9000/9700/9749/5_01.pdf |
| Format | |
| Database | NTL Digital Repository |